The added value of regional networks: experiences from the Western Network

Transcription

1 Pilot Project - Atmospheric Precipitation - Protection and efficient use of Fresh Water: Integration of Natural Water Retention Measures in River basin management Service contract n ENV.D.1/SER/2013/0010 The added value of regional networks: experiences from the Western Network Heather Williams AMEC

2 The Western Network Workshop held in Brussels January Participants from UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland Included experts in NWRM, agriculture, forestry and urban measures and nature conservation, along with water management practitioners from around the region An opportunity to: - Determine the level of knowledge, interest and willingness with respect to NWRM - Identify relevant and valuable case studies 22/01/14 n.amorsi@oieau.fr 2

3 NWRM in the Western Region Key points: 1. The focus was on Natural Flood Management 22/01/14 3

4 22/01/14 Recent flooding in Scotland Photos courtesy of Roy Richardson, SEPA

5 Afforestation for Natural Flood Management Photos courtesy of Roy Richardson, SEPA

6 Small-scale Runoff Attenuation Features Photos courtesy of Mark Wilkinson, James Hutton Institute 22/01/14

7 Source: Christian Damm Source: Christian Damm Large-scale Floodplain Restoration (dyke relocation) Photos courtesy of Thomas Borchers 22/01/14 Source: Nora Künkler

8 Re-meandering for river restoration and flood management Photos courtesy of Chris Spray, University of Dundee

9 Sustainable stormwater management Photos courtesy of Peter Close

10 NWRM in the Western Region Key points: 1. The focus was on Natural Flood Management 2. Catchment-scale application is key: Placement of measures in the catchment Cumulative/ downstream benefits Partnership working 22/01/14 10

11 Forested headwater catchment, Germany Courtesy of Gebhard Schueler 22/01/14 11

12 Eddleston Water, Scotland Courtesy of Chris Spray 22/01/14 12

13 Eddleston Water, Scotland Courtesy of Chris Spray 22/01/14 13

14 NWRM in the Western Region Key points: 1. The focus was on Natural Flood Management 2. Catchment-scale application is key: Placement of measures in the catchment Cumulative benefits Partnership working 3. How far can Natural Flood Management go? 22/01/14 14

15 Forested headwater catchment, Germany Courtesy of Gebhard Schueler 22/01/14 15

16 Rural catchment, England Courtesy of Mark Wilkinson 22/01/14 16

17 NWRM in the Western Region Key points: 4. Main drivers: Flood risk management River restoration Biodiversity- nature conservation projects not WFD, for any of the case studies! So how can it be tied more closely to WFD? 5. Because of this: may be seen as a burden rather than an opportunity- just something needed for compliance How can this be overcome? 6. Timescales for implementation can be long! 22/01/14 n.amorsi@oieau.fr 17

18 In summary: the Western Network workshop taught us about The value of the regional networks Allowing experts and practitioners in different fields to engage with each other Sharing experiences of NWRM implementation, including introducing the concept of NWRM to those who know it by other names or apply it incidentally Understanding challenges and barriers to implementation Realising that many drivers can lead to the same benefits, but that this alone may not encourage uptake of NWRM The value of case studies Understanding how measures are situated in the catchment and in relation to other measures Provide realism about limits of effectiveness Time taken for implementation Engagement with landowners and other stakeholders And the value of the project deliverables Make best use of existing information/databases Clarity about the purpose and benefits of NWRM Be clear about the end-users 22/01/14 18

19 Thank you for attention /2013/659147/SER/ENV.C1- DGENV Brussels 22/01/14 19